Another successful, fun-filled luncheon was attended, on June 16, by the Fishermen’s Daughters group at Kubel’s, with dessert and coffee served on the lovely porch at Marion Larson’s Victorian home. The laughter of those attending, from age 80 to 93, could be heard all over the neighborhood. It was a perfect sunny (mosquito-free) afternoon to share with friends.

All the members attended the “Barnegat City” (now Barnegat Light) one-room schoolhouse from age 5 to 12. Several of the “daughters” are presently docents at the Barnegat Light Museum that was their grade school for five years.

The members are children of Norwegian immigrants who heard of “Barnegat City” through the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. The church was attended during the holidays by men who bragged about the peaceful beauty of the town surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic Ocean and the abundant fishing grounds offshore.

The women grew up as extended family in the quiet, isolated end of Long Beach Island, under the shadow of Barnegat Lighthouse. Memories of personal experiences and tales told by elders and mischief done by some were shared with much laughter and teasing. Unfortunately, many of the sisters and friends have passed. Their stories were still shared by all who remembered them with love.

Anyone interested in life in “Barnegat City” should visit the historic museum 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., seven days a week during the summer. We would love to share our memories with you.